Flu outbreak ‘officially worst in six years’

FLU is now circulating at a “high intensity” across Wales and is officially the worst outbreak in six years.

Public Health Wales’ weekly influenza activity in Wales report has found there were 64.9 GP consultations per 100,000 people between January 8 and 14.

That’s almost double the 37.7 consultations reported the week before and close to four times as many as a fortnight earlier.

Outbreaks have been reported in hospitals and care homes, with rates at their highest since 2010-11.

Dr Richard Roberts, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “Vaccination is the single best way to protect against catching flu and it also helps reduce the chances of spreading it.

“At present flu vaccine is still available in Wales so those eligible for the free NHS vaccine but not yet vaccinated should get it without delay.”

A number of different strains of flu, including Australian flu, are now circulating in Wales.

People with the virus are being urged to stay away from those who are very old, very young, pregnant, or have a longterm health condition as they are at high risk of complications from flu.

Dr Frank Atherton, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said: “If you have flu symptoms please help to stop the virus spreading by staying away from vulnerable people and practising good hygiene.

“Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze then wash or use hand sanitiser afterwards. And avoid visiting surgeries or hospitals unless you really need to.”

Doctors say people should only attend A&E or call an ambulance if they need urgent care – for example feeling short of breath, experiencing chest pain or coughing up blood – or have other serious symptoms, or if they deteriorate quickly.

Vaccination against flu is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are aged 65 or over, are pregnant, have certain long-term health conditions, or are unpaid carers.

Flu vaccine is also recommended for frontline health and social care workers to protect them and reduce the risk of spreading flu to those in their care.

Advice on self-care is available on www.nhsdirect.wales. nhs.uk, from community pharmacists, or from NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 (or 111 in areas where the 111 Wales service is available).